Portable cushion device for improving posture

ABSTRACT

A cushion designed to alleviate or counteract the so-called forward head posture and/or its effects has a region sized and shaped to fit between a user&#39;s shoulder blades when the user lies in a supine position on a bed, a table or floor and the cushion is placed under the user&#39;s thoracic spine, especially upper thoracic spine. The height and/or firmness of the cushion is selected to cause the head and shoulders of the user to sag towards the substrate, thus counteracting the so called forward head posture and its effects, as well as opening the user&#39;s chest for improved wellness. And a therapeutic method for helping user reverse forward head posture and relieve its effects such pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

This application is a formal application claiming the priority of provisional U.S. patent application No. 61/219,130, filed Jun. 22, 2009, the specification of which is incorporated by reference herewith in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to cushions or pillows for improved personal wellness, especially to counteract the so-called forward head posture (FHP) and/or its effects. The device will hereinafter be referred to as a “cushion” or “cushion device”.

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART

Modern lifestyle leads to the prevalence of forward head posture (or anterior head translation, or anterior head carriage) in our society. A person with such posture carries the head forward of the shoulders or of the gravitational center line of the upper body, as viewed from the side. Forward head posture places excessive strain on the spinal column and related muscles in the neck and shoulder, and often causes pain in the neck and shoulder area as well as a headache. Obviously, means to counteract the posture and its effects, beside the application of anesthetics or painkillers, are desirable.

A few ideas to this effect are proposed in the patent literature, for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,834,455 to Proctor, 5,303,480 to Chek, 6,739,007 to Talai, 6,902,537 to Geisert and 7,413,250 to Connolly et al. While these proposals may be useful, there remains a need for a simple, effective, inexpensive and portable device to help alleviate or relieve the forward head posture and its effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a cushion device which is devoid of head support, shoulder joint support and essentially shoulder blade support, the cushion device comprising an interscapular region shaped and sized to fit between the vertebral borders of a user's shoulder blades when the user lies in a supine position on a relatively flat support. The upper end of the interscapular region may extend from the user's upper thoracic spine (approximately T3) to upper cervical spine (approximately C2). The lower end of the interscapular region may extend from the user's upper thoracic spine (approximately T2) to lower thoracic spine (approximately T10). The height of the cushion, when in use, should be such as to lift the thoracic spine, especially the upper thoracic spine, of the user from said relatively flat support thus causing the head and the shoulders to sag. The head sagging, with the proper thickness or height of the cushion, should counteract, relieve or eliminate the forward-head-posture and/or its effects, while the sagging of the shoulders and shoulder blades should open the chest of the user.

The head should sag to such a degree that the forward shift of the first cervical vertebra (C1) relative to the last cervical vertebra (C7), when the person is standing, or the upward shift between C1 and C7 when the person is supine, is reduced, eliminated or even reversed.

The cushion may comprise a thoracic support region corresponding to a user's thoracic area above or below the shoulder blades.

The cushion may comprise a cervical support region corresponding to a user's cervical area.

The interscapular region has, in a top view, a generally columnar, elongated shape which may resemble the letter “I”. The embodiment with the additional thoracic support region may resemble the letter “T” or a reversed letter “T” where the thoracic support region is disposed at one end of the interscapular region, or a letter “H” when there are two thoracic support regions at both ends of the interscapular region, the placement of the thoracic support regions being such as to allow the sagging of the user's head, shoulders and shoulder blades. The embodiment with the additional cervical support region may resemble the letter “T” where the cervical support region is disposed at the top end of the interscapular region or the upper thoracic support region, the placement of the cervical support regions being such as to allow the sagging of the user's head, shoulders and shoulder blades. This implies, as stated above, that the cushion essentially does not provide a support to the shoulder blades, or only a minimal support thereto, when the user lies on the cushion in a supine position.

The cushion may have a hollow, flexible and enclosed shell having upper and lower sides, and being capable of containing fluid without substantial leakage.

The shell of the cushion may be inflatable and may have one or more ports for filling the shell with a fluid i.e. a gas or a liquid. Said shell may be mad of polymer material by means such as, but not limited to, heat sealing, adhesive bonding, rotational molding or blow molding.

The shell may include spacing means for maintaining the volume of the shell when the ports are open to ambient water or air pressure. The spacing means may be a structure comprising voluminous polymer material that allows flow of fluid inside said shell. Said voluminous polymer material may be, but not limited to, open cell foam, polymer fiber mass, etc. Said spacing means may also resemble the structure of a cage made of a polymeric material by a technology such as, but not limited to, rotational molding, blow molding, etc.

The shell may include spacing means for maintaining the structural integrity of the shell and allow easy inflation with gas and easy flow of the gas inside the shell. The spacing means may be substantially two-dimensional, made of a polymeric material by a technology such as, but not limited to, injection molding, extrusion, stamping, etc.

A therapeutic method for reversing forward head posture and/or relieving symptoms related thereof, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a. providing a device of said invention,     -   b. placing said device on a substantially solid, stable and         leveled surface with said device inflated to a desired         thickness.     -   c. lying down, in a supine position, on said device with         interscapular support region of said device placed in between         the shoulder blades of the user. Gravity will gently reverse         said user's head and open up said user's chest.     -   d. continuing lying on said device for 20 minutes or an         otherwise predetermined period according to said user's         therapeutic needs.     -   e. repeating above steps daily or according to an otherwise         predetermined frequency according to said user's therapeutic         needs, for 1 month or for an otherwise determined period         according to said user's therapeutic needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the cushion of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cushion;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the cushion;

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the cushion;

FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the cushion;

FIG. 3 c is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the cushion;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cushion device along the lines A-A of FIG. 2, with a spacing means;

FIG. 4 a is a cross-sectional view of the cushion device along the lines A-A of FIG. 2, with an alternative spacing means;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of intended placement of the cushion of FIG. 2 against a user's body;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of another intended placement of the cushion of FIG. 2 against a user's body;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of intended placement of the cushion of FIG. 3 against a user's body;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the use of the cushion, and

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c illustrate the benefits of the use of the cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the cushion of the invention, the embodiment resembling the letter “I”. The cushion 10 has a generally columnar, elongated shape defining an interscapular region and is sized crosswise to fit between a typical user's shoulder blades (scapulae). Since the distance between the vertebral borders varies between users depending on their gender and build, the cushion in use may overlap the shoulder blades, but it is intended that the overlap be reasonably small to allow proper use of the cushion as will be explained hereinbelow.

The upper end of the interscapular region may extend from the user's upper thoracic spine (approximately T3) to upper cervical spine (approximately C2). The lower end of the interscapular region may extend from the user's upper thoracic spine (approximately T2) to lower thoracic spine (approximately T10). The cushion is not inflatable. It may be formed of, but not limited to, semi-rigid foam, semi-rigid rubber, compressed cotton, etc. housed in a soft shell made of e.g. cotton, leather, polyvinyl chloride or another suitable material. Said cushion ma also be made of, but not limited to, a wood block, or a polymer cage with sufficient stiffness made of by means such as, but not limited to, rotational molding or blow molding. The cushion may optionally have a pillow-type fabric cover (not illustrated) for the user's comfort.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 is a cushion 10 with an inflatable shell which has two regions, an interscapular support region 12 and a thoracic support region 14, the two regions connected seamlessly with each other and resembling the letter “T”. The shell has a port 16 and can be filled with air or water through the port 16. The shell may be made of a polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride by a technology such as, but not limited to, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, rotational molding, etc. The port may be made of polymer material by a technology such as, but not limited to, injection molding, and may be attached to the shell by a means such as, but not limited to, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, injection/rotational molding with the shell, etc.

The thoracic support region is provided to increase the surface area of contact of the user's body with the cushion when the user lies on the cushion, and thus reduce the contact pressure which is desirable since the upper body of the user rests on a relatively small surface compared with a conventional bed.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the cushion with an interscapular support region 12 and two thoracic support regions 14, 18 at the ends of the region 12. The cushion has generally a shape resembling the letter “H” and is dimensioned so that the three regions 12, 14, 18 encircle the user's shoulder blades (see FIG. 7) or at least do not substantially overlap with the shoulder blades, thereby allowing a sagging movement of the shoulder blades when the user lies on the cushion.

FIG. 3 a illustrates an embodiment of the cushion with an interscapular support region 12 and a cervical support region 15 at the upper end of the region 12. The two regions connected seamlessly with each other and resembling the letter “T”. The cushion is shaped and dimensioned so that the two regions 12, and 15 do not substantially overlap with the head and shoulder blades, thereby allowing a sagging movement of the head and shoulder blades when the user lies on the cushion. The regions 12 and 15 may be connected in a manner not being seamless.

FIG. 3 b illustrates an embodiment of the cushion with an interscapular support region 12, a thoracic support region 14 and a cervical support region 15 at the upper end of the region 14. The three regions are connected seamlessly with each other and resembling the letter “T”. The cushion is shaped and dimensioned so that the three regions 12, 14 and 15 do not substantially overlap with the head and shoulder blades, thereby allowing a sagging movement of the head and shoulder blades when the user lies on the cushion. The regions 12, 14 and 15 may be connected in a manner not being seamless.

FIG. 3 c illustrates an embodiment of the cushion with an interscapular support region 12, two thoracic support regions 14 and 18, and a cervical support region 15 at the upper end of the region 14. The four regions are connected seamlessly with each other and resembling the letter “H”. The cushion is shaped and dimensioned so that the four regions 12, 14, 18 and 15 do not substantially overlap with the head and shoulder blades, thereby allowing a sagging movement of the head and shoulder blades when the user lies on the cushion. The regions 12, 14, 18 and 15 may be connected in a manner not being seamless.

The inflatable embodiment of the cushion (FIG. 2) may have an insert 20, as illustrated in FIG. 4, for instance polymeric netting cage, open cell foam or polymer fiber mass that is designed to maintain a predetermined volume when the port 16 is open, which facilitates the filling of the cushion with a liquid. Such polymer cage may be made by a technology such as, but not limited to, rotational molding, blow molding, etc.

The inflatable embodiment of the cushion (FIG. 2) may have an alternative insert 20, as illustrated in FIG. 4 a, for instance a substantially two-dimensional polymeric netting sheet that is designed to maintain a structural integrity of the cushion and allow easy inflation with gas and easy flow of gas inside the shell. Such polymeric insert may be made by a technology such as, but not limited to, injection molding, extrusion, stamping, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the shape and size of the interscapular region 12 of the cushion is selected to fit between the vertebral borders of the user's shoulder blades. It will of course be understood that several sizes may have to be made available to fit different users. The same applies to the regions 14 and 18.

FIG. 8 serves to illustrate the use of the cushion. When a user (shown in a simplified manner) lies on the cushion in a supine position, face up, with the region 12 placed between the shoulder blades, the height of the cushion and its firmness combine to lift the user's thoracic spine, especially the upper thoracic spine, relative to the user's head. The unsupported head and shoulders, and (at least to a degree) the shoulder blades will sag under gravity towards the surface 22 (a bed, a table, or a floor or the like). It is intended that the upper cervical spine becomes tilted downwards as indicated with numeral 24, whereby the forward shift between the first cervical vertebra (C1) and the last cervical vertebra (C7) characteristic of a standing person with the FHP, is reduced, eliminated or even reversed.

It is found to be effective in reversing forward head posture and/or relieving its related symptoms such as neck pain and shoulder pain that a user lies on said device with its interscapular support region placed in between the shoulder blades of the user, for 20 minutes twice daily for 1 month. The level of inflation or the thickness of said device should be increased gradually. Initially a low level of inflation or the thickness of the said device should be used which is intended not to cause any unnecessary pain. The duration and frequency of using said device should be determined according to the user's individual therapeutic conditions and needs. Said device should not be used by users with extreme kyphosis or hunched back, and/or surgically operated and/or fused spine.

The benefits of the invention are further illustrated in FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c. It will be noted that the use of a conventional pillow 26 causes the C1 vertebra to shift upward relative to C7. If a cushion 10 of the invention is placed under the user's upper cervical spine (FIG. 9 b), with the interscapular region between the user's shoulder blades, the shift between C1 and C7 will be somewhat reduced. However, the reversal of the forward head posture is most visible in the scenario illustrated in FIG. 9 c, where the user's head is unsupported and allowed to sag to the level of the substrate (e.g. a bed). The degree of the reduction or reversal of said upward or forward shift may be controlled by selecting the desired height of the cushion 10 relative to the height of the pillow 26 or the level of the surface 22. The higher the cushion 10, the great reduction or reversal of said shift.

The sagging of the shoulders will also open the user's chest. Such position (the sagging of the head and the shoulders) has been found to be beneficial to counteract the forward-head posture and/or its effects.

The intensity of the therapy can be easily adjusted by varying the level of filling of the cushion or by selecting a cushion of a different thickness and/or firmness and by selecting the desired height of the cushion 10 relative to the height of the pillow 26 or the level of the surface 22. The higher the cushion 10, the great reduction or reversal of said shift. 

1. A cushion devoid of head support and shoulder support, the cushion comprising an interscapular region shaped to fit between the vertebral borders of a user's shoulder blades when the user lies in a supine position on a relatively flat support with the cushion placed under the user's thoracic spine, especially upper thoracic spine.
 2. The cushion according to claim 1 wherein the interscapular region extends between the user's upper cervical spine and the lower thoracic spine.
 3. The cushion according to claim 1 further comprising a thoracic support region corresponding to a user's thoracic area above or below the shoulder blades, the thoracic support region and the interscapular support region defining a letter “T”.
 4. The cushion according to claim 3 comprising two thoracic support regions connected to the interscapular region so as to essentially encircle the user's shoulder blades and resemble a letter “H”.
 5. The cushion according to claim 1, comprising a hollow, flexible and enclosed shell having upper and lower sides, and being capable of containing fluid without substantial leakage.
 6. The cushion according to claim 5 wherein the shell is inflatable and has one or more ports for filling the shell with a fluid.
 7. The cushion according to claim 6 comprising spacing means for maintaining the volume of the shell when the port or ports are open to ambient pressure.
 8. The cushion according to claim 6 comprising spacing means for maintaining the structural integrity of the shell.
 9. The cushion according to claim 1 further comprising a cervical support region corresponding to a user's cervical area, the cervical support region and the interscapular support region defining a letter “T”.
 10. The cushion according to claim 9 further comprising a thoracic support region corresponding to a user's thoracic area below the shoulder blades, the cervical support region, the interscapular support region and the thoracic support region defining a letter “H”.
 11. The cushion according to claim 9 further comprising two thoracic support regions connected to the interscapular region so as to essentially encircle the user's shoulder blades and resemble a letter “H”. The cervical support region, the upper thoracic support region, the interscapular support region and the lower thoracic support region defining a letter “H”.
 12. The cushion according to claim 11 wherein the cervical support region and the upper thoracic support region are seamlessly connected,
 13. A therapeutic method for reversing forward head posture and/or for relieving symptoms related thereof, comprising the steps of: a. providing a device of said invention, b. placing said device on a substantially solid, stable and leveled surface with said device inflated to a desired thickness. c. lying down, in a supine position, on said device with interscapular support region of said device placed in between the shoulder blades of the user. Gravity will gently reverse said user's head and open up said user's chest. d. continuing lying on said device for 20 minutes or an otherwise predetermined period according to said user's therapeutic needs. e. repeating above steps daily or according to an otherwise predetermined frequency according to said user's therapeutic needs, for 1 month or for an otherwise determined period according to said user's therapeutic needs. 